Moline,IL : Driver in fatal accident smelled of alcohol on Monday, June 19, 2017

A Henry County deputy on Monday testified he smelled alcohol from the driver involved in a fatal April accident.

At a Monday preliminary hearing in Henry County Circuit Court, Judge Jeffrey O'Connor found probable cause to believe Lorenzo S. Quintero, 46, of Kewanee, had driven under the influence of alcohol during an accident that claimed the life of Gabina Garcia, 27, of Kewanee.

The accident happened at 3:17 a.m. April 9 on Illinois 78 at 9622 North when a 2011 Kia Sorento Mr. Quintero allegedly was driving traveled off the east side of the road and rolled, coming to rest on its top in the east ditch.

Henry County Sheriff's Deputy Colton Martin on Monday said he and another officer smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Mr. Quintero. The deputy also said blood and urine tests at OSF St. Luke's Hospital in Kewanee indicated Mr. Quintero had a blood alcohol content of .188 — more than twice the legal limit of .08 — as well as the presence of cocaine.

Deputy Martin also said several beer bottles, some sealed, were found in the vehicle along with one can that was open and empty. He said that when the vehicle was upside down, a witness saw a man crawl out from the driver's seat over the another female — his wife, Yolanda — in the passenger seat.

He said Ms. Quintero told officers her husband was driving. He also said Ms. Quintero had bruising from her right shoulder to her left torso, indicating she was the passenger. Mr. Quintero had no definitive bruising, Deputy Martin said.

Deputy Martin said, through a translator, Mr. Quintero said the people were returning to Kewanee from a dance club in the Quad-Cities that night.

Mr. Quintero is charged with three counts of the Class 2 felony of driving under the influence/accident/death. The charge carries a penalty of three to 14 years in prison.

Source :
Driver in fatal accident smelled of alcohol